Journal

I'm Nina, a photographer, film maker and forever wanderer. Passionate about nature, the great outdoors and all of life's adventures. This is the place where I keep all my 'field notes'

Bumble's bum

...and a good old clean.

Another little fella saved yesterday.

The girls and I are on bumble bee watch this year - I've lost count of the number we have saved already...and the ones that have not been so lucky.

This poor little chap looked liked he had completely given up. Out of puff with no energy left in him, what so ever - completely grounded. So we administered a little manuka honey, just a small dollop on a teaspoon. I've read mixed reviews whether honey is a good thing to give a grounded bumble bee, but we were out of sugar and this is all we had to hand.

Sugar water (I've heard) is the best kind of tonic or a dollop of syrup or jam.

It look liked it took a lot of effort for him to drink, but after twenty minutes or so he was back with us again, flapping his wings and looking a lot more spritely.

Then with a clean of his bodily parts and a final fluff up, he was off up into the air again and on his way.

After watching Countryfile yesterday it got me wondering about bumble bees. I know there is a huge (ongoing) thing about them at the moment - well it's been going on for years really. We have a bumblebees nest in the bottom of our compost bin and I'm quite happy for it to stay.

And it's really nice to see the little things that help like verges left uncut. We have an amazing display of oxeye daisies around our roads at the moment - like mini meadows, wildlife havens brimming with nature. Whether it's our thrifty council or a deliberate plan to help the humble bumble I'm not too sure, but either way I'm a girl that likes things a little messy - here's hoping it remains that way.